We told you the new Simonne Draper album was coming, and now, it’s finally here (and well worth the wait) – Silence of Eclipse, released through Bongo Boy Records, is now available for purchasing, streaming, and as a beguiling, bewitching aid to endless dancing and frolicking. Simonne Draper’s classical acoustic guitar wizardry, on a full-length release, is, in a word, astonishing. Ready to traverse fantastical landscapes born from incomparable finger dancing, grandiose turmoil, and spectacular, unhindered hope? Let’s listen, and discuss the highlights.
Wait. Who does wh….
Let me stop you right there. Simonne Draper, a member of the renowned Czech Composers Society, is classically trained in Spanish guitar, having studied with legendary classical guitar composer Milan Tesař at the Conservatoire in Prague. And beyond her obviously adroit playing, her composing chops are equally incomparable. She’s garnered worldwide recognition, and earned every incredibly positive and objectively accurate review. Now….let’s have a listen.
The album begins with “Eclipse,” which is perhaps a foreshadowing of temporary darkness cast upon the album as a whole.
Featured on a recent episode of Bongo Boy TV, “Eclipse” begins with a repeated arpeggio and streaking, sustained strings. And then, as described during the aforementioned episode, I still get that sense of… “galloping,” of moving forward at a gallant, tenacious, but often obstructed pace. And when it ends, it’s on a darker, uneasy chord. The hero is certainly bold, as the music makes him so, but the journey, and the trials, are just beginning.
“Fairytale” is lighter with almost sparkling strings; it’s playful while bending into sparse laments; it’s hard plucking that invokes a strenuous, seriously tricky, but ultimately fulfilling journey. It inspires with star-streaking strings while portending earthly hardship.
“Ricordiana” is a steady walk across green pastures. And with reverb-glowing guitar notes, and an answering, equally reflective, night-sky-emanating piano, “Ricordiana” enters another textural dimension. And is that a subtle voice I hear? Perhaps the forest nymphs sing along, or perhaps immortal god-children, timeless and innocent protectors of the realm, produce a vocal accompaniment of droning creation magic.
“Finallegro” is as if the adventure has taken to sea; the strings are the stuff of soft, boat-lapping brushes. But Simonne Draper’s guitar expresses the aggression; it’s played with a rough determination. And after another guitar burst, another phrase of battering, fret-painted waves, the song eases to a floating halt.
“Jazzmine” starts with bolts of aggression, but sails along with graceful, levitating strings. There’s a lesson being taught here; the music takes a tone of imparting instruction, both patient but occasionally agitated while sharing with greater ease its hard-earned knowledge.
I had quite a bit to say regarding “Accordiana,” so let’s hit “Fantasia for My Love” – it begins with gorgeous harmonics before its lamenting and leading guitar melody. Here, the strings, like they often do, construct a floating, supportive, and slowly adjusting accompaniment; they instill an almost magical quality while roaming quietly after Simonne’s exacting and navigating guitar. And after a few final guitar notes, a rush of strings signals the end. An absolutely gorgeous track.
The album closes with “Eclipse (the Jon Kennedy Remix).” If you felt the original was lacking modern (sampled?) percussion, some breathy effects, and other steam-belching ear attacks, then this remix of “Eclipse” should grant you a more obvious groove. In my opinion, “Eclipse” stands perfectly well on its own, but this is a tasteful transformation that could perhaps entice a larger but currently unaware audience.
But is it good?
Folks, Silence of Eclipse is transcendent. Simonne Draper’s playing, as amazing as it is, is matched by the worlds it creates through composition and accompaniment. I can see and smell the hills and valleys as my horse rides brisky from darkening woods. I can see the stars streak by, and the fog-drenched castle taking shape as my journey nears its end. This is an immensely played, inescapably imaginative album that builds a fantasy with only a handful of extravagantly mastered musical tools. HIGHLY recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to Simonne Draper and check her out on Bandcamp, Facebook, YouTube, and the official Bongo Boy Records website. Please support Simonne Draper by visiting her website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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